One of Chicago’s most influential and iconic restaurants, Frontera Grill is celebrating its 30th anniversary by partnering with FamilyFarmed for a wholesome party on April 30 at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing. Taking place from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., the event will feature guest chefs from across the planet, all coming together to celebrate Frontera, FamilyFarmed and Rick Bayless’ Frontera Farmer Foundation. It all starts with The Good Food Forum: A Bold Vision for the Future in the Art Institute’s Rubloff Auditorium, with a keynote speech by Bayless. In attendance will be Paul Kahan, Marcus Samuelsson and Nora Pouillon. Other chefs in attendance for the party include Matthias Merges, Stephanie Izard, Ming Tsai, Jason Hammel, Michael Mina and more. Each chef will be preparing food to serve to guests, gourmet food court-style. Bayless’ restaurants will also be providing tastings. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Frontera Farmer Foundation and FamilyFarmed. Tickets for the lavish affair are $500. To purchase or to learn more information, visit here: www.frontera30.org.

Frontera Grill; photo by Galdones Photography

Sunday Dinners With Arthur

Fresh off a nod as one of the 2017 Sommeliers of the Year by Food & Wine, Sepia’s Arthur Hon is stepping into the spotlight a bit more with a new Sunday dinner series designed to enlighten guests more about wine and pairings. Each Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m., the restaurant rolls out a different four-course tasting menu cooked by chef Andrew Zimmerman and pastry chef Sarah Mispagel, with pairings curated by Hon. Each menu is crafted around a featured wine maker. Tickets for each menu are $120 per person and can be purchased by calling Sepia.

Derby Specials at Brando’s Speakeasy

Getting in the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, the Loop’s venerable Brando’s Speakeasy is cooking up some festive specials to run May 1 through May 6. These include $6 Woodford Mint Juleps leading up to Derby Day on May 6. The day of the actual race will also feature free fried chicken. The bar opens daily at 3:00 p.m. for all your day-drinking needs.

Happy Hour at Forbidden Root

Speaking of day-drinking, the latest hot happy hour in town takes place at Forbidden Root in West Town. The brewery and restaurant is now offering bargain beverages and snacks Tuesdays through Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. During this time, guests can enjoy $1 off all drafts, $10 beer flights and free gochugarou chili popcorn. Currently on draft are seasonal brews like Snooze Juice pale ale, lemony Bayside High saison and the Tropical Toy Boat gose.

Frontier

Jazzfest Crawfish Boil at Frontier

The Derby isn’t the only festive occasion taking place this season. In honor of New Orleans’ famed Jazzfest, which takes place April 30, Frontier is hosting a crawfish boil with all-you-can-eat crawfish, corn and potatoes. Other specials include crawfish pie, frozen daiquiris and Abita beers. The crawfish boil is $35 per person, plus additional a la carte prices for specials. The event takes place with two seatings, the first at noon and the second at 4:00 p.m. Live music takes place throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased on Frontier’s website.

The guys behind Lottie's and the Pony Inn have opened a third location, featuring the down-home cooking of chef/partner Brian Jupiter. The chef highlights Southern American cooking that's updated with...